[6] Fedor Kelling, who had previously represented the Waimea electorate, intended the contest the 1861 election for Suburbs of Nelson.
At a meeting with electors in Stoke, it was decided that there is no real difference in political opinion between Kelling and James Wemyss, the other contender for the position.
[7] Wemyss, who was away from the district for the month during the election campaign, had placed a long advertisement in The Colonist outlining his political opinion.
[13] At the nomination meeting at the school house in Stoke on Thursday, 20 June 1861, Wells was the only person proposed and was thus declared elected unopposed.
Kelling was a supporter of Julius Vogel's public works scheme, whilst Richardson was opposed to it.
At the nomination meeting, held at the Provincial Hall on 26 January 1871, the show of hands went eleven to ten in favour of Kelling.
[18] Richardson resigned on 31 March 1873 "owing to urgent private affairs which require[d his] immediate departure for England".
[20] On 13 May, Kelling retired from the election and placed an advertisement in the Nelson Evening Mail, stating that he wanted to avoid vote splitting and urging electors to support Richmond instead, so that the Vogel Ministry can continue with their public works programme.
[26] The 6th Parliament was dissolved on 15 August 1879[22] and a nomination meeting was held on 2 September in preparation for the next general election.
[33] Collins had previously represented the Collingwood electorate (1868–1873)[34] and was a conservative politician, whilst Harley had rather liberal ideas.